The women's Black Sticks have emphatically upset Olympic silver medallists Argentina 4-1 in the third test in Rosario to level five-match hockey series at 1-1.

New Zealand, fielding several inexperienced young players, struck through Katie Glynn before halftime then Anita Punt and Krystal Forgesson added another two quick goals soon after the break to stun the hosts.

World No 2 Argentina were missing star player Luciana Aymar but still boasted many of the team which claimed the silver medal at last year's Olympics.

It's just New Zealand's eighth win in 49 matches against Argentina, their third victory in 21 matches during the past decade, and their first win since a 2-1 triumph at North Harbour two years ago. It follows a 4-1 loss and 1-1 draw in the first two matches of the series.